“Took me under his wing.” Ed O’Neill was a huge support for the Modern Family actor, for which he even halted filming

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Ineexperienced actors on movie sets are frequently navigating their initial steps, which means they aren’t always self-sufficient in front of the cameras. They might not possess the same level of camera acumen or understanding as their more seasoned professional counterparts, leading to a potential need for assistance.

On the set of Modern Family, Ed O’Neill swiftly recognized that Rico Rodriguez, his on-screen stepson, was struggling with stress. Feeling compelled to assist, he extended a helping hand to Rodriguez when he noticed the young actor’s distress. This heartwarming story was shared by Rodriguez himself, who expressed his profound gratitude towards O’Neill for providing support and essentially mentoring him, as he put it, “taking me under his wing.

He mentored me exceptionally well, unlike anyone else. One instance that stands out to me, likely from our initial period, the first season, involved a particular line I struggled with. I couldn’t discern what I was saying correctly. They would constantly say, “Hey, Rico, try it like this.” This persisted for some time, which became slightly frustrating.

Ed finally said, “Alright, let’s pause, turn off the cameras,” and he instructed the director to take a seat. He then pulled me aside and explained, “Rico, listen carefully. I think you’re struggling with this part. Let me help you… How about we do it like this?” He winked at me reassuringly, saying, “I’ve got your back. Don’t worry.” From that moment, I felt confident in his guidance.

In that tense moment, I found myself on the brink of tears, and Rico Rodriguez seemed to be feeling the same way. Fortunately, Ed O’Neill picked up on the tension and lent a helping hand when it was needed most. The young actor was struggling under the weight of his own thoughts, as he put it, “everything was swirling in my head.

Later on, O’Neill assisted Rodriguez in practicing his lines using different methods until they found the perfect fit. Eventually, it took just two takes for the actor who portrays Manny Delgado in Modern Family to master the scene. As a result, O’Neil ended up serving as a mentor for him.

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2025-06-04 14:32